Artists spin brush

ABSTRACT

According to the present invention, a rotatable brush for combining the tactile qualities of a roller with that of a conventional brush is characterized primarily in that a brush is provided means whereby the tip is made rotatable relative to the holder and adapted to be selectively bent by hand pressure against a drawing surface and rollably moved therealong to produce a stroke of desired width. It comprises, in combination, a hand grip holder having a longitudinal compartment therewithin open at one end; a spindle assembly composed of a spindle, a flexible brush tip disposed about one end thereof, the rest of the spindle rotatably mounted in the hand grip holder. An optional feature of the present invention is the use of an internal feed which further comprises an ink reservoir, an internal passage communicating with the reservoir, a valve means intermediate the tip and internal passage which is operative with the flexure and rotation of the tip for feeding ink thereto, and a vent means extending into the free end of the passage to facilitate, by tongue means, the movement of liquid and air in opposite directions.

.United States Patent [72] Inventor Ben Braun 15 Georgie Drive, Syosset, N.Y. 11791 [21] Appl. No. 865,939 [22] Filed Oct. 13, 1969 [45] Patented Sept. 28, 1971 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 600,556, Dec. 9, 1966, now abandoned.

[S4] ARTISTS SPIN BRUSH 9 Claims, 17 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 401/197, 15/159 [51] Int. Cl 844d 3/28 [50] FieldofSearch. 401/183, 197, 205-208, 270, 285, 219, 272, 273, 9; 15/104.93,104.94,159,160,210

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,253,032 l/19l8 Hardin 401/273 1,264,666 4/1918 Ljungstrom V 01l219 Primary Examiner-Lawrence Charles ABSTRACT: According to the present invention, a rotatable brush for combining the tactile qualities ofa roller with that of a conventional brush is characterized primarily in that a brush is provided means whereby the tip is made rotatable relative to the holder and adapted to be selectively bent by hand pressure against a drawing surface and rollably moved therealong to produce a stroke of desired width. It comprises, in combination, a hand grip holder having a longitudinal compartment therewithin open at one end; a spindle assembly composed of a spindle, a flexible brush tip disposed about one end thereof, the rest of the spindle rotatably mounted in the hand grip holder. An optional feature of the present invention is the use of an internal feed which further comprises an ink reservoir, an internal passage communicating with the reservoir, a valve means intermediate the tip and internal passage which is operative with the flexure and rotation of the tip for feeding ink thereto, and a vent means extending into the free end of the passage to facilitate, by tongue means, the movement of liquid and air in opposite directions.

PATENTEB SEP28 19m 3,609,051

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sum 5 [1F 5 INVfNTOR .3611 5mm ARTISTS SPIN BRUSH This application forms a continuation and further development of the application Ser. No. 600,556 filed Dec. 9, 1966, now abandoned.

This invention relates generally to paint brushes. More specifically, it relates to brushes used for art work, such as, painting, drawing, stenciling, lettering, and the like.

Despite the great proliferation in brush styles, no such means exists for exploiting the inherent qualities of pigment rolled onto, rather than dragged across, a painting surface. The conventional roller with its axial rigidity and its holder positioned normal to the roller, owes its origin to the development of early printing methods, and while its flat aspect serves quite adequately for coating large, flat surfaces, its structure is far too cumbersome for the relatively more flamboyant styles used in the fine art of painting and drawing. Accordingly, no such rollers have been used extensively for this purpose.

In its present embodiment, this invention is characterized primarily in that a brush tip having substantial transverse flexibility along its axis is afforded means whereby it is made rotatable relative to the holder and adapted to be bent by hand pressure against a drawing surface, the contiguous portion thereof being commensurate with the pressure exerted thereagainst to produce a roll-stroke of desired width. An optional feature of this invention is an internal feed means which includes a novel valve operative with the flexure and rotation of the tip whereby liquid is dispersed through openings which are successively dilated at the bend in operative use. A small flexible vent tube extends into the free end of the internal passage to aid the movement of air and liquid in opposite directions.

Apart from the broadest aspects of the invention, I wish to emphasize the flexible nature of the spin brush. Since the brush tip must remain rotatably free relative to the holder, it is imperative that the tip be flexible enough to undergo substantial flexing on a drawing surface; yet, it must not be so flexible as to kink or collapse at the bend, for this would impede its rotation. Moreover, such flexing must take place in a plane normal to the surface, not parallel thereto, for any lateral deflection of the tip likewise hampers its rotation. On the other hand, the tip must be resilient enough to return to its original state once pressure is relaxed. Furthermore, the tip must be sufficiently sensitive to the touch so that when it is flexed, the portion thereof which is contiguous with the drawing surface will be commensurately greater or smaller relative to the downward pressure exerted by the operator and respond to such variations with the easy facility of a conventional brush. Thus, relatively light pressure will produce a relatively fine roll-stroke, and relatively heavy pressure, a relative- 1y broad roll-stroke.

Since the principal functions of the spin brush are mediated by the spindle, its form necessarily assumes paramount importance. The spindle provides the requisite means for supporting the tip and minimizing the frictional forces arising from its deflection and rotation. These functions are fulfilled by two portions constituting the spindle: a relatively rigid body portion and a relatively flexible end portion. However, a simple union of such members is quite unsatisfactory for the reason that it concentrates tension at the transverse juncture of these members where the point of inflection is virtually fixed. This type of structure provides insufficient resilience at the tip causing it to deflect laterally when it is rolled. Furthermore, it results in loss of operating control and introduces additional frictional forces which inhibit rotation.

The present invention largely overcomes these objections by employing a spindle having an end portion provided with substantial transverse flexibility increasing outwardly along its axis. Although the two portions of the spindle may be integrally formed, the present invention effects a substantially greater latitude of flexibility through the use of two members, one rigid and the other flexible, joined respectively by means of a resilient stepetapered nib and an axially mated coupling. A structure of this type will permit the tipto be selectively flexed in a plane normal to the drawing surface and be rollably moved therealong without undergoing lateral deflection. Other embodiments of this invention, to be described in detail hereinafter, also provide for an internal feed having a novel value means which is operative relationship with the flexure and rotation of the tip.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide an artists brush having self-contained means whereby the brush tip is rotatable respective to the handle in order to combine the tactile qualities of a roller with the flexibility of a conventional brush in order to produce a distinctive graphic quality all its own.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an artists brush with a rotatable means for applying pigment to a surface, and which may be used in the fine art of painting, lettering, stenciling, and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an artists brush of a rotatable type, which eliminates the cumber some features of a conventional roller while extending its usefulness as an artists tool.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an artists brush of a rotatable type which may have interchangeable tips so that the brush may be used interchangeably with oils, polymers, water colors, or other media.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an artists brush of the rotatable type wherein the interchangeable tips may be made of various configurated shapes and different compositions for producing various textural effects.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an artists brush of a rotatable type which may be held in the hand at different angles respective to the painting surface in order to produce either a fine stroke, a medium stroke, or a relatively broad stroke.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an artists brush of a rotatable type wherein the inherent qualities of pigment rolled onto, rather than dragged across, a surface, could be exploited.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an artists brush of a rotatable type wherein the effects of chiaroscuro, or graduated tone, may be achieved much like a roller.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an artists brush of a rotatable type with a removable spindle to facilitate cleaning when necessary.

Yet a further object of the present invention are to provide an artists brush of a rotatable type embodying an internal ink feed. Other objects of the present invention are to provide an artists brush of a rotatable type which will be simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use and efficient in operation.

These and other objects will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and the accompanying drawings therein.

FIG. I is a perspective view of a spin brush shown in operative use to produce a fine stroke upon a drawing surface.

FIG. 2 is a similar view thereof wherein the brush tip is shown deflected in order to produce a medium width stroke.

FIG. 3 is a similar view thereof wherein the brush is shown differently inclined in order to produce a relatively broad stroke.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the principal part of the structure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the elements comprising the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the present invention embodying an internal feed.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the present invention including an internal feed.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the elements of an internal feed comprising the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of the spindle showing a flow control valve comprising a dilatable helical slit.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the helical slit valve in closed position.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged detail of the same.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the helical slit valve in open position.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail of the same.

FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of the spindle showing a flow control valve comprising dilatable straight slits.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the straight slit valve in closed position.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the straight slit valve in open position.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and more particularly to FIGS. 4 to 6, the reference numeral 20 represents a spin brush according to the present invention, wherein there is a hand grip holder assembly 21 that supports a spindle assembly 22.

The holder assembly 21 is comprised of an elongated barrel 23 to one end of which a retainer cap 24 is axially aligned and threadingly secured. The barrel is of generally cylindrical configuration along a major longitudinal portion thereof an which is tapered toward one end 25. A longitudinal, cylindrical central opening 26 is provided within the barrel 23 for the purpose of supporting the spindle assembly 22 rotatably therewithin. The retainer cap 24 has an aperture to permit a portion of the spindle assembly to extend, rotatably free, therethrough. A ball 27 is mounted at the end wall of opening 26 of the barrel, or made an integral part thereof, as shown. A sleeve bushing 28 is inserted within the opening 26 to provide support for spindle assembly 22.

The spindle assembly 22 is comprised of a spindle and a brush tip 29 which is removably fixed to, and rotatable with, the spindle.

The brush tip 29 may be any configuration to suit a particular drawing or painting need, and wherein the same may be shown in the drawing to be of generally cylindrical or barrellike configuration. The tip 29 may be made of a porous, resilient material like plastic or rubber. Tips made of a delicate material may require an inner lining 32 to provide additional firmness and protect it from abrasion. An opening 34 extends centrally through the tip for engagement with the spindle 35.

The spindle may be generally characterized as a relatively rigid tubular body having an end portion provided with variable transverse flexibility increasing outwardly along its axis. This variable flexibility may be provided in several ways or by several such ways combined. The spindle may be integrally formed from an inherently resilient material, such as plastic, by having the walls thereof made relatively thick for the rigid portion and substantially thinned and tapered for the flexible portion. Another method for providing such flexibility is to have the peripheral walls thereof circumferentially scored or serrated therealong, the pitch and depth of the serrations being varied accordingly to effect the desired flexible characteristics. In the present invention, the range of variable flexibility is substantially extended by using two members, one rigid and the other flexible, joined respectively by means of a step-tapered nib and an axially mated coupling.

In the construction shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the spindle 35 comprises a tubular body composed of a stem 31 and a brush tip support 30, the support constituting a flexible extension of the tubular body. The stem is made of relatively rigid but inherently resilient material, such as plastic, one end 36 thereof enlarged in diameter and closed to provide a shoulder for bushing 28, and a flat surface for point contact with ball mounting 27. The opposite end is reduced in diameter and wall thickness to provide a resilient step-tapered nib 37. The tip support 30 consists generally of a hollow, flexible tube, one end of which is axially mated to frictionally engage steptapered nib 37. The peripheral wall of the support is circumferentially scored or provided with serrations 44 to impart additional transverse flexibility, the pitch and the depth thereof depending on the material used and the desired flexibility. The brush tip 29, which is uniformly flexible, is axially disposed about support 30 and derives therefrom the character of variable flexibility.

It should be noted that the foregoing principles relating to the tips flexible characteristics are equally applicable to the structures illustrated in FIGS. 10 to I4 and FIGS. 15 to 17, to be described in detail hereinafter.

In operative use, the spin brush is held within the hand 39, and moved, more or less, in a direction at right angles to its axis, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. It may be inclined at various angles respective to the drawing surface 40 as to produce either a fine stroke 41, a relatively medium stroke 42, or a relatively broad stroke 43. Further stroke variations, as well as light and dark tonal passages may also be produced by subtle changes in pressure against the drawing surface.

The spin brush may be easily disassembled for cleaning, when necessary, by sliding the tip off the spindle and unscrewing the retainer cap. The spindle and bushing may then be removed from the barrel. It can be reassembled by following the reverse order. A cover 38 is provided for the protection of the tip when it is not in use.

FIG. 7 shows a modified construction of a spin brush embodying an internal feed. This construction is similar to the one previously described, but varies in some details, particularly with respect to the spindle which is now relatively longer and somewhat more complex.

In this construction, a spin brush 50, FIG. 7 to 9, comprises a hand grip holder assembly 51 and a spindle assembly 52. The holder assembly includes a barrel 53 and a retainer cap 54, axially aligned and threadingly secured at one'end, both forming a central, longitudinal compartment 55 therewithin. A ball mounting 56 is provided at the end wall of compartment 55. The spindle assembly 52 is rotatably mounted in compartment 55 by means of bushing 65, one end of the spindle closed and enlarged in diameter to provide a shoulder for bushing 65, and a point contact with a ball mounting 56, the opposite end extending, rotatably free, through an aperture in retainer cap 54. A flexible brush tip 57, having a central opening 67 is removably fixed to, and rotatable with, spindle assembly 52.

The spindle assembly further comprises a spindle 58, one portion thereof being relatively rigid providing a reservoir, and another portion, characterized by variable flexibility along its axis, constituting a brush tip support means. The tip support means further comprises a valve means for feeding liquid to brush tip 57 mounted thereon.

FIG. 10 illustrates the present spindle assembly 52 with a portion of it cut away. The reservoir 59 consists of a tubular member, one end 66 closed and enlarged in diameter to provide a shoulder for bushing 65, and a point contact mounting with ball 56. The opposite end of the reservoir 59 is reduced in diameter to provide a step tapered nib 69. The tip support means comprises an extension type coil spring 62, an axially mated flexible coupling 60, one end of which encompasses part of the coil spring and the opposite end thereof frictionally engages step-tapered nib 69. A central passage is provided thereby communicating with the reservoir and the exposed portion of the coil spring, having integral coil members defining a juncture therebetween, communicates with the central passage. The free end of coil spring 62 forms the tip orifice 70. A small flexible vent tube 61 extends centrally through the passage and into the reservoir 59, the opposite end thereof terminates in a fixed cap plug 63 which is, in turn, removably attached to the tip orifice 70. The cap plug 63 has a small aperture 76 therethrough aligned with the vent tube 61.

The operation of the flow control valve is shown schematically in FIGS. 11 to I4. Ink enters the valve body or coil spring 62 from the reservoir 59 by means of coupling 60. FIG. 12 is an enlarged detail of the valve in a normal, or closed position, showing how the fluid 71 is laterally restricted by the closed coil turns and the surface tension of the fluid. It also shows the inner surface of the tip 57 out of contact with the fluid. When the tip is deflected, as shown in FIG. 13, the coil turns are compressed at the top 72, and spread at the bottom 64, thus acting like a dilatable, helical slit between coil turns. FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail of the valve in open position, showing the inner surface of the tip in contact with the fluid 73, and absorbing it within.

A modified construction of the flow control valve is shown in FIG. wherein the brush tip support and the valve body form a unitary structure. The tip support 74 consists of a flexible, tubular member provided with variable flexibility along its axis, and having disposed therealong a plurality of circumferentially extended perforations 75 in its peripheral wall communicating with the central passage. A small, flexible vent tube 61 extends centrally through the tip support. A small 74 and into the reservoir 59, the opposite end fixed to a cap plug 63, which is, in turn, removably attached to the tip orifice 70, the cap plug having an aperture 76 therethrough in line with the vent tube 61.

Normally, the valve is in closed position, as shown in FIG. 16, and the fluid issuing from the reservoir 59 is laterally restricted by the valve body. When the brush tip is pressed against a drawing surface 40 and deflected, the slit openings are dilated, and successive openings are, in turn, dilated, as the tip is rollably moved across a drawing surface, as shown in FIG. 17, thus allowing the fluid to egress from the valve body and become absorbed into the tip.

The intemal-feed spin brush may be replenished with ink, simply, by slipping the brush tip off the reservoir, or raising the cap plug 63 slightly above the orifice 70, and inserting a small dropper common to the drawing ink trade.

Thus there has been shown a spin brush for applying pigment to surfaces and which includes the qualities of a roller together with the flexibility of a conventional hair brush to produce a distinctive graphic quality all of its own.

While various changes may be made in the detailed construction, it is understood that such changes will be in the spirit and scope of the present invention as is defined by the appended claims.

lclaim:

1. An artists paint brush comprising a handgrip holder, said holder having a longitudinal compartment therewithin open at one end; a spindle, said spindle comprising a stem, said stem rotatably mounted in said holder having one end extending outwardly through said opening, and a brush tip support, said support fixed to the extended end of said stem and rotatable therewith, said support being characterized in that it has substantial transverse flexibility increasing toward the free end thereof; a flexible brush tip, said tip having a central opening therethrough and axially disposed about said support, its flexibility being normally uniform deriving variable characteristics therefrom, said tip adapted to be operatively bent and rollably moved against a suitable surface whereby a stroke of desired width may be produced.

2. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spindle comprises a generally elongated tubular body composed of a relatively rigid portion providing a stern, and a relatively flexible portion constituting a brush tip support, said stem having one end terminating in a resilient step-tapered nib, said support having one end axially mated and frictionally engaged to said nib, said support being characterized in that it has variable transverse flexibility increasing outwardly along its axis, said spindle provided means for rotatably mounting said spindle in said hand grip holder.

3. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brush tip comprises a porous, flexible body of generally annular configuration having substantially uniform flexibility, a

support means having substantially variable transverse flexibility along its axis, said body having a central opening and axially disposed about said support, deriving thereby its flexible characteristics, said tip adapted to be operatively bent and rollably moved over a suitable surface in flexed configuration whereby a stroke of desired width may be produced.

4. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder comprises two generally cylindrical elements, axially aligned and threadingly secured, said elements forming a central compartment therewithin open at one end, said compartment having bearing means including a ball mounting at its end wall for point contact rotatable mounting with end of said s indie.

5. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim I, wherein said brush further comprises an ink reservoir, said reservoir extending into said holder and into said brush tip support, and a valve means associated with said reservoir for feeding said ink to said brush tip.

6. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 5, wherein said valve means comprises a valve body which also constitutes a brush tip support means of variable transverse flexibility along its axis, said body composed of a coil spring, an axially mated coupling, said coupling having one end thereof partly encompassing said spring and the opposite end secured to the nib of said reservoir, an internal passage communicating with said reservoir, said spring having a plurality of integral coil members defining a juncture therebetween, said spring intermediate said tip and said passage constitutes a valve means normally closed, the arrangement being such that when said tip is flexed and rollably moved, adjacent coil members will arcuately spread permitting liquid through the interstices thus formed to flow upon said tip.

7. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 5, wherein said valve means comprises a valve body which also constitutes a brush tip support means of variable transverse flexibility along its axis, said body having an internal passage communicating with said reservoir and its peripheral wall provided with circumferentially extended perforations disposed along its axis communicating with said passage, said valve body intermediate said tip and said passage constitutes a valve means normally closed, the arrangement being such that when said tip is flexed and rollably moved along a surface, the opposed sides of said perforations will arcuately spread and permit the liquid to flow through the interstices thus formed upon said ti 8. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 6, wherein said valve means further comprises a vent, said vent consisting essentially ofa small flexible tube extending into the free end of said passage and into said reservoir, the opposite end of said vent secured to said tip support, whereby tongue means are provided to facilitate the movement of air and liquid in opposite directions.

9. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 7, wherein said valve means further comprises a vent, said vent consisting essentially of a small flexible tube extending centrally into the free end of said passage and into said reservoir, the opposite end of said vent removably fixed to the free end of said tip support, whereby tongue means are provided to facilitate the movement of air and liquid in opposite directions. 

1. An artists paint brush comprising a handgrip holder, said holder having a longitudinal compartment therewithin open at one end; a spindle, said spindle comprising a stem, said stem rotatably mounted in said holder having one end extending outwardly through said opening, and a brush tip support, said support fixed to the extended end of said stem and rotatable therewith, said support being characterized in that it has substantial transverse flexibility increasing toward the free end thereof; a flexible brush tip, said tip having a central opening therethrough and axially disposed about said support, its flexibility being normally uniform deriving variable characteristics therefrom, said tip adapted to be operatively bent and rollably moved against a suitable surface whereby a stroke of desired width may be produced.
 2. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spindle comprises a generally elongated tubular body composed of a relatively rigid portion providing a stem, and a relatively flexible portion constituting a brush tip support, said stem having one end terminating in a resilient step-tapered nib, said support having one end axially mated and frictionally engaged to said nib, said support being characterized in that it has variable transverse flexibility increasing outwardly along its axis, said spindle provided means for rotatably mounting said spindle in said hand grip holder.
 3. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brush tip comprises a porous, flexible body of generally annular configuration having substantially uniform flexibility, a support means having substantially variable transverse flexibility along its axis, said body having a central opening and axially disposed about said support, deriving thereby its flexible characteristics, said tip adapted to be operatively bent and rollably moved over a suitable surface in flexed configuration whereby a stroke of desired width may be produced.
 4. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder comprises two generally cylindrical elements, axially aligned and threadingly secured, said elements forming a central compartment therewithin open at one end, said compartment having bearing means including a ball mounting at its end wall for point contact rotatable mounting with end of said spindle.
 5. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brush further comprises an ink reservoir, said reservoir extending into said holder and into said brush tip support, and a valve means associated with said reservoir for feeding said ink to said brush tip.
 6. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 5, wherein said valve means comprises a valve body which also constitutes a brush tip support means of variable transverse flexibility along its axis, said body composed of a coil spring, an axially mated coupling, said coupling having one end thereof partly encompassing said spring and the opposite end secured to the nib of said reservoir, an internal passage communicating with said reservoir, said spring having a plurality of integral coil members defining a juncture therebetween, said spring intermediate said tip and said passage constitutes a valve means normally closed, the arrangement being such that when said tip is flexed and rollably moved, adjacent coil members will arcuately spread permitting liquid through the interstices thus formed to flow upon said tip.
 7. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 5, wherein said valve means comprises a valve body which also constitutes a brush tip support means of variable transverse flexIbility along its axis, said body having an internal passage communicating with said reservoir and its peripheral wall provided with circumferentially extended perforations disposed along its axis communicating with said passage, said valve body intermediate said tip and said passage constitutes a valve means normally closed, the arrangement being such that when said tip is flexed and rollably moved along a surface, the opposed sides of said perforations will arcuately spread and permit the liquid to flow through the interstices thus formed upon said tip.
 8. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 6, wherein said valve means further comprises a vent, said vent consisting essentially of a small flexible tube extending into the free end of said passage and into said reservoir, the opposite end of said vent secured to said tip support, whereby tongue means are provided to facilitate the movement of air and liquid in opposite directions.
 9. An artists paint brush as claimed in claim 7, wherein said valve means further comprises a vent, said vent consisting essentially of a small flexible tube extending centrally into the free end of said passage and into said reservoir, the opposite end of said vent removably fixed to the free end of said tip support, whereby tongue means are provided to facilitate the movement of air and liquid in opposite directions. 